Spa of the week: Lifehouse Spa and Hotel

With all it’s twinkling lights and bustling excitement there’s something pretty magical about winter in the city. Still, it can get a little crowded sometimes which is why, at this time of year, many of us look for a cosy country retreat in which to while away a few restful hours. This November, we’ve found the perfect place. Set among acres of English countryside, specialising in holistic treatments and home to a warming thermal spa, the award winning Lifehouse in Essex is just what we need this winter…

The spa

Situated within 130 acres of plush grounds (including 12 acres of English Heritage Gardens) in Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex, Lifehouse Spa & Hotel is only 80 minutes from the busy capital but feels a world away. Since opening in 2011 Lifehouse has been awarded four Good Spa Guide Bubbles, runner up for Best UK Spa Retreat at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Spa Awards 2012 and Best Destination Spa in Essex 2012 by the Wahanda community. The dedicated team at this contemporary health spa specialises in tailor made restorative, holistic experiences that help refresh the mind and body, and are so keen to get you started on your spa journey they’ll even meet you from the station.

The spa's Jacuzzi

Treatments and facilities

A spa journey at Lifehouse begins with a quick consultation to put together a tailor made plan to help you get the most from your experience. After that you’re free to explore the thermal spa and enjoy facilities including a sauna, steam room, salt inhalation room (designed to calm breathing), warm hydro-pool, cool plunge pool, chill lounge and an 18.5 metre swimming pool surrounded by windows where guest can enjoy soothing music while they swim.

Lifehouse promise guests that they will leave with a feeling of wellness that lasts long after they return home, something the spa achieves with an array of treatments that benefit the mind and body in a variety of ways. For example, guests can choose from body treatments that range from Mii spray tanning and Anti-Cellulite Treatments to Chakra balancing and Energy Healing by Michael Bertaud from Chiva Som - the celebrity spa of Thailand.

Fancy an overnight stay? The luxury Lifehouse accommodation

The spa also offers a range of massages and facials from luxury spa brands Espa and new addition to the Lifehouse family (not to be confused with 1990’s pop duo Lighthouse Family) Decleor, as well as nail treatments from Jessica. For true indulgence, there are also a number of spa days and breaks including the One Night Festive SPA-rkle break (55 minute massage, 25 minute manicure, dinner, breakfast, hot chocolate, full use of facilities and overnight stay) which is now firmly at the top of our Christmas list.

One of our favourite things about the spa is the fact it seeks to remain a technology-free-zone. While no one is going to kick you out for sending a text, the staff do ask that you leave all mobile phones and tablets outside the treatment rooms and chill out zone to allow you to better escape the stress. And if that doesn’t work, a guided tour around the idyllic heritage gardens might do the trick.

Afternoon Tea at Lifehouse

Treat yourself

The philosophy at Lifehouse is all about indulging ‘that rare feeling that you’re the only one that matters’ and this winter we say go for it. Take a look at Lifehouse’s page now where you can book and buy treatments and spa escapes now.

I am the Assistant Site Editor and owner of one of the largest nail varnish collections in the UK. I love all things health and beauty especially trying out new products and treatments and telling the world all about them.